From Grant Park

Producer Joe Pichirallo was one of the few Hollywood figures who backed Joseph Biden in his presidential bid.

He’s in Grant Park tonight, what he calls a "combination rock concert and Democratic convention," for the Obama-Biden celebration there. With wrist bands designating where they can pass through security, VIPs are camped out in tents, sipping drinks and finger foods in anticipation of the candidates’ appearance later this evening.

"From the moment we got off the plane today you could feel the excitement in the air," he says.

He was on a trolley from his hotel to the park when Pennsylvania was called for Obama, and "some people burst into cheering," he says.

"Democrats have lived through two depressing presidential election nights," he said. "We are ready to celebrate, but we are also a little bit cautious."

Also present: George Stevens Jr., who has been backing Obama from the start and is co-chair of his arts and entertainment committee.